The Health Facilities Association of Maryland (HFAM) recently sponsored a statewide survey to gauge public opinion on skilled nursing centers in Maryland. The survey findings show a mostly favorable view of skilled nursing and rehabilitation centers in Maryland.
“We applaud Governor Hogan’s important and incremental step to restore some of the underfunded Medicaid rate for skilled nursing and rehabilitation centers. By restoring some of these vital funds, Governor Hogan and his team displayed an understanding of the critical role skilled nursing and rehabilitation centers in Maryland play in providing quality care to Marylanders in need,” said Joseph DeMattos, Jr., president and CEO of HFAM.
“Skilled nursing and rehabilitation centers in Maryland provide over 9 million days of a care a year, 5.6 million of them paid for by Medicaid, and this partial rate restoration is not only critical for getting Maryland patients home safer and stronger, but also ensures that our centers continue to partner with hospitals to keep acute costs down,” said DeMattos. “The survey shows that Maryland voters support adequate funding for our centers and we are happy to see that Governor Hogan recognizes their value as well.”
The survey, conducted in conjunction with the American Health Care Association, polled more than 800 registered voters in Maryland on their perceptions of skilled nursing and rehabilitation centers and assisted living communities--the care they provide, and government regulation and funding for the industry.
The survey key findings show:
· Eight-Five (85) percent of voters believe that Medicaid cuts to nursing homes are unacceptable.
· Seventy-Seven (77) percent of voters agree that agree that lack of funding impacts quality care.
· Eight in ten voters said they would support a lawmaker who opposed Medicaid cuts.
· Voters are evenly split in support for primary education (38 percent) and Medicaid (36 percent) being a high funding priority for state legislators.
· Voters were split about evenly on the level of adequate regulation of nursing homes. Fifty-two (52) percent believe there is too much (12 percent) or the right amount (40 percent) of regulations; forty-seven (47) percent believe there is not enough regulation.
· Sixty-three (63) percent of voters had a positive or somewhat positive view of nursing homes.
· Forty (40) percent of voters polled had visited a nursing home in the past month (14 percent) or year (26 percent).
· And eight-seven (87) percent believe that hospitals, nursing homes and all health care providers in Maryland should work together as equals to ensure quality care.
The survey was conducted by Opinion Access Corp and sponsored by the American Health Care Association, HFAM’s national affiliate organization. The purpose of the survey is to better understand the attitudes, opinions and perceptions of Maryland voters. A complete presentation of the survey’s findings can be found here.
HFAM will continue to work with leaders and members of the Maryland General Assembly and elected and national leaders in Washington DC to ensure adequate funding for quality care for Marylanders in need.
Founded in 1948, HFAM is the oldest and largest nationally affiliated long-term care and post-acute association in Maryland. HFAM member facilities offer assisted living, post-acute, rehabilitation and long-term care nursing services, and are found in nearly every community in every county and city across Maryland. HFAM is affiliated with the American Health Care Association / National Center for Assisted Living, the largest national post-acute provider association representing both for- and not-for-profit providers of care. Maryland’s long-term care provider community directly supports an estimated $3.7 billion in state economic activity; a major job-creator and economic engine for the state.